What inspired you to work for Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program?
I have worked in travel operations for over 15 years, and this appealed to me as it is a different “travel” client. They have similar needs, yet their objective and ultimate goal—to become a health professional—benefits the global community, which I find very inspiring.
Describe a typical day at work.
Lots of calls with the team and suppliers, lots of reporting to make sure we are doing well in real time, and lots of troubleshooting. There are 10 human health cities and 3 animal health cities running simultaneously—something is always happening!
It's an adrenaline rush most days during the season.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Hearing about the students' experiences, whether it's about life-changing days in the OR, getting confirmation on the path they have chosen, having one of those “pinch me” moments, whether it be with a mentor or patient, or an experience with the Italian language or culture.
You know these experiences will impact their lives forever.
Team building for our program coordinators once more – we did a sip and paint!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have a double degree in Business Management and Marketing and have worked for over 20 years in international business, particularly in start-up companies within the travel industry.
I have travelled to over 60 countries (lost count actually!) on all continents and have a wide cultural understanding.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Something unexpected happens literally every day, and we need to respond fast to ensure that the student's positive experience is the top priority.
I always put myself in their shoes and imagine how I would want the matter resolved appropriately. The most important thing that we do is listen to the students and their needs.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't plan so much and be open to spontaneity.
Don't just look at monuments and take photos, but delve deeper. Read into the history and cultural understanding of what it is and the people who shape the destination. Bring something tangible and intangible home with you from everywhere you go.
Learning from the culture that adds value to your own life is the best thing you can take with you.
What makes Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program special?
Our international shadowing program stands out by giving participants hands-on, real-world experience across cultures. It blends global exposure, professional mentorship, and cultural immersion, helping students build skills, networks, and perspectives that prepare them for medical school applications and success in their future careers.
I'm often around for the cultural experiences we have on the program. This is me with the students during one of our Winter terms in Rome.
Why should someone choose Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program over competitors?
Someone would choose us because we’re locally based in Italy, with deep knowledge of the culture, language, and professional landscape.
Unlike global competitors, we offer authentic connections, insider access, and a truly immersive experience rooted in our local expertise. Also, our student coordinators provide a hands-on approach and personalised support, offering a richer and more meaningful experience than generic programs.
What hopes do you have for the future of Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program?
I hope we can continue to offer more places to students globally through additional hospital partner connections and offer more specific programs tailored to individual specialties, such as cosmetic medicine and dentistry.
I hope, too, we can expand out to other countries across Europe, such as Spain and Portugal!
Are there any developments with Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program that you would like to share with us?
We are now offering programs that allow students to combine experiences in multiple cities (e.g., spending 2 weeks in Rome and 2 weeks in Ferrara) so that they can see more of their host country and make more connections in more hospitals.
There’s a lot more in the pipeline; however, it's all top secret for now!
Another way we train our program coordinators is by ensuring they're well-equipped with taking great photos on the program!
What is Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to provide students with transformative international experiences that combine professional growth, cultural immersion, and global perspective.
I work towards it by designing immersive shadowing programs on the ground—leveraging the local expertise of the managers I hire, and fostering connections that turn learning into real-world skills and life-changing experience.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope fellows take away practical skills, global perspectives, and cultural awareness that go beyond the classroom. I want them to gain confidence, meaningful professional connections, and personal growth, leaving with experiences that inspire curiosity, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for learning, travel, and exploration.
How do you help support participants?
I support fellows by being always available—whether by phone or email—to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer encouragement. I ensure they feel supported throughout the program, helping them navigate challenges, make the most of their experience, and gain confidence every step of the way.
They know they can contact me whenever they need to!
If you could participate in one of your programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would always do one of the smaller cities for a more authentic and localized experience than in the bigger, more touristy cities like Rome and Milan, which you can visit on the weekend.
I would definitely go to Alessandria or Ferrara, where the hospital is less exposed to international students, which in turn makes them more excited about us when we are there.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is important because it broadens perspectives, fosters empathy, and builds adaptability. It exposes people to different ways of thinking, enhances communication skills, and encourages personal growth, turning unfamiliar challenges into learning opportunities that shape more open-minded, globally aware individuals.
Our annual program coordinator offsite this year involved us learning how to battle any challenges like Gladiators would!
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it opens doors to new cultures, strengthens communication, and enhances cognitive skills like memory and problem-solving.
It also builds confidence, creates professional opportunities, and helps you connect deeply with people and communities in ways that go beyond translation.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice is simple—take the trip and you’ll never regret it!
Stepping abroad challenges you, inspires growth, and opens doors you didn’t even know existed. You often don't even realise how much you were impacted until you return. Embrace the experience, stay curious, and let every new culture, connection, and adventure shape you in unforgettable ways.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, means going beyond sightseeing to engage with a place and its people truly.
It’s about learning from different cultures, building authentic connections, gaining new perspectives, and growing personally and professionally, leaving both a positive impact on yourself and the communities you visit.
